ChatGPT and other A.I. writing tools are EVERYWHERE these days. The real question is how can YOU use these programs to YOUR benefit? As always, I’m glad you asked. Here is how/if ChatGPT can help you write a better resume.
Creating a resume with ChatGPT
So I asked T-1000 about tips for writing a resume. The majority of which, I’ve seen many times before but the tip about customizing your resume for each job is MAJOR. Considering ATS (applicant tracking systems) are the first gatekeeper for job hunters, specifically customizing your resume is an absolute necessity.
“Do you have any tips for writing resumes?”
“Yes, I can give you some tips for writing an effective resume:
- Keep it concise and easy to read: Employers are usually busy and don’t have time to read lengthy resumes. Keep your resume to one or two pages and use bullet points to make it easy to scan.
- Customize your resume for each job: Tailor your resume to match the requirements of the job you are applying for. Highlight your skills and experience that are most relevant to the position.
- Use action verbs and quantify your achievements: Use strong action verbs to describe your accomplishments and quantify them with numbers whenever possible. For example, instead of saying “improved sales,” say “increased sales by 20%.”
- Focus on results: Employers are interested in seeing results. Instead of listing your job duties, focus on the outcomes you achieved in your previous roles.
- Include keywords: Many employers use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to screen resumes. Make sure you include relevant keywords from the job description to increase your chances of getting noticed by the ATS.
- Proofread your resume: Spelling and grammar mistakes can make a bad impression on potential employers. Take the time to proofread your resume carefully or ask someone else to review it for you.
- Keep it professional: Your resume should be professional and appropriate for the job you are applying for. Avoid using slang, abbreviations, or overly casual language.”
Improving an existing resume with ChatGPT
Next, I asked Adam Smasher for tips on improving an existing resume. Unfortunately, it was a retread of the previous seven points with a slight twist to the order and words. Again, tailoring your resume to specific job posts is key. Updating your contact information is also an overlooked point. Sometimes we get into an automated routine when it comes to job hunting. Because of that, we may have some outdated information on our resume that may be keeping us from getting to that next step (i.e. you have a different phone number or email address).
“Are there any key ways to improve an existing resume?”
“Yes, here are some ways to improve an existing resume:
- Update your contact information: Make sure your phone number, email address, and any other contact information you provide is up to date and accurate.
- Focus on accomplishments: Instead of just listing your job duties, focus on your accomplishments in each role. Use specific examples to demonstrate your skills and achievements.
- Use keywords: Use keywords from the job description to tailor your resume to the specific job you are applying for. This will help your resume get noticed by applicant tracking systems (ATS) and hiring managers.
- Quantify your achievements: Use numbers and metrics to demonstrate the impact you have had in previous roles. For example, instead of saying “managed a team,” say “managed a team of 10 people and increased sales by 20%.”
- Make it easy to read: Use bullet points, clear headings, and plenty of white space to make your resume easy to scan. Avoid long paragraphs or large blocks of text.
- Proofread carefully: Spelling and grammar mistakes can make a bad impression on potential employers. Take the time to proofread your resume carefully, or ask someone else to review it for you.
- Keep it relevant: Tailor your resume to the job you are applying for and focus on your most relevant skills and experiences. Avoid including information that is not relevant to the position.
By implementing these tips, you can make your existing resume more effective and increase your chances of getting noticed by potential employers.”
Just do it for me!
Finally, I just outright asked Android 18 if it could write a resume. Of course, without knowing me or having my information, ChatGPT could not build out a real resume. It did provide a pretty straightforward outline. The sample resume provided falls right in line with the earlier points of keeping your resume concise and to the point. Also, the point of tailoring your resume is reiterated twice! If you take nothing away from my conversation with Sonny, that’s definitely the one.
“Can you write a resume?”
“Yes, I can provide a sample resume for you. However, please note that a successful resume will be tailored to your specific skills, experiences, and the job you are applying for. It is important to customize your resume to match the requirements of the job you are applying for.
Here is a sample resume:
[Your Name]
Contact Information:
- Phone: [Your phone number]
- Email: [Your email address]
- LinkedIn: [Link to your LinkedIn profile, if applicable]
Summary:
[Provide a brief summary of your skills, experiences, and accomplishments. Highlight your most relevant qualifications for the job you are applying for.]
Work Experience:
[List your work experience in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent or current job. For each job, include the following information:]
Job Title, Company Name, Location
Employment dates
- [Bullet point describing your key responsibilities and accomplishments in this role. Use specific examples to demonstrate your skills and achievements.]
- [Bullet point describing your key responsibilities and accomplishments in this role. Use specific examples to demonstrate your skills and achievements.]
- [Bullet point describing your key responsibilities and accomplishments in this role. Use specific examples to demonstrate your skills and achievements.]
Education:
[List your education in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent degree. Include the following information:]
Degree, Field of Study, Institution Name, Location
Graduation date
- [List any relevant coursework or academic honors]
- [Optional: List any relevant extracurricular activities or leadership roles]
Skills:
[List any relevant skills that you have not already mentioned in your work experience or education sections. This could include technical skills, language proficiency, or other relevant abilities.]
References:
[Optional: Include a list of references who can speak to your skills, experiences, and character. Make sure to obtain their permission before including their contact information.]
I hope this sample resume is helpful to you. Remember to tailor your own resume to match the requirements of the job you are applying for and to highlight your most relevant qualifications.”
Can you use ChatGPT to build your resume or improve your current one? Maybe. If you didn’t know the above tips, you probably learned a lot from Skynet today. If you did know those tips, at least you have a new template to use. As helpful as A.I. can be, no one is better at gaming the system than people. It’s what we do. Working with HR/resume professionals will usually cost less than your first paycheck at your new job. From personal experience, the confidence you can gain from having a professional resume done is invaluable.
“Should I use ChatGPT to write my resume or hire a professional?”
“While I can provide you with tips and sample resumes, it’s important to keep in mind that I am an AI language model and not a human resume writer.
Writing a successful resume requires careful consideration of your unique experiences and skills, as well as the specific requirements of the job you are applying for. While I can provide guidance, a professional resume writer can offer more personalized advice and can help you to create a resume that is tailored specifically to your needs and goals.
Ultimately, the decision to hire a professional resume writer or to write your own resume is up to you. Consider your budget, timeline, and level of confidence in your own writing abilities when making this decision. Remember that a well-written and targeted resume can make a big difference in your job search success, so it’s important to put in the time and effort to create a strong application.”
And that’s from Optimus Prime directly.
